SETTING NEW HOUSE RULES

Context: Disruption is replacing discussion as the foundation of our legislative functioning. There is a need to increase the number of sittings, give more time to Opposition, to end disruption.

Recent disruptions in Parliament: All four sessions since last year would have been cut short. The first two because of Covid, this year’s budget session because of campaigning in state elections, and the last on account of disruptions.

Understanding the causes of disruptions:

• In 2001, a day-long conference was held in the Central Hall of Parliament to discuss discipline and decorum in legislatures. It identified four reasons behind the disorderly conduct by MPs:
  • The first was dissatisfaction in MPs because of inadequate time for airing their grievances. 
  • The second was an unresponsive attitude of the government and the retaliatory posture of the treasury benches. 
  • The third was political parties not adhering to parliamentary norms and disciplining their members. 
  • Finally, the absence of prompt action against disrupting MPs under the legislature’s rules.

Steps taken to lower the disruption:

• The Lok Sabha has had a simple code of conduct for its MPs since 1952.
• Earlier, the rules required MPs not to interrupt the speech of others, maintain silence and not obstruct proceedings by hissing or by making commentaries during debates.
• Newer forms of protest led to the updating of these rules in 1989. Accordingly, members should not shout slogans, display placards, tear away documents in protest, play cassettes or tape recorders in the House.
• A new rule empowers the Lok Sabha Speaker to suspend MPs obstructing the Houses’ business automatically. 
• The conference also resolved that Parliament should meet for 110 days every year and larger state legislative assemblies for 90 days.

Challenges in curbing disruptions:

• Successive governments have shied away from increasing the working days of Parliament.
  • Since MPs have the support of their parties in breaking the rules, the threat of suspension from the House does not deter them.
• Lack of opportunities for the Opposition: Currently, government business takes priority, and private members discuss their topics post-lunch on a Friday.

Way Forward:

• Increase in the number of working days: As recommended by the 2001 conference. Our legislature should meet throughout the year, like parliaments of most developed democracies. 
• Provide more opportunities to the Opposition: In the United Kingdom, where Parliament meets over 100 days a year, opposition parties get 20 days on which they decide the agenda for discussion in Parliament.